Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe is dead. The 67-year-old was gunned down in the street. He died a little later in a clinic.
The former prime minister of Japan didn’t make it. According to consistent media reports, Shinzo Abe died after an assassination attempt in the ancient imperial city of Nara. He was 67 years old. Abe gave a campaign speech in the street on Friday when he was gunned down in broad daylight from behind. The conservative politician collapsed immediately after the shots, bleeding profusely, but was initially still conscious. A little later he suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest and was taken to a hospital. Abe died there a little later.
As can be seen in pictures and videos, the ex-prime minister was attacked by a middle-aged man with a homemade double-barreled weapon. Two shots were fired at Abe from about ten meters away. The footage also shows a large cloud of smoke and security forces who were able to overpower the assassin immediately after the attack.
The alleged perpetrator is a former soldier
According to Japanese media, citing the Ministry of Defense, the perpetrator is said to be a 41-year-old ex-soldier. His motive was “dissatisfaction” with Abe’s policy. From December 2012 to September 2020, Abe, who is classified as a right-wing conservative, was at the head of the country for almost eight years – longer than any Japanese politician before. The upper house elections are on Sunday. Abe continued to be politically active even after resigning for health reasons and supporting his party, the LDP, which is regarded as the overwhelming favorite to win the election.
